Leicester vs Arsenal: 3 selection decisions for Arteta to make

2. If Kieran Tierney is Fit Then He Starts Over Nuno Tavares

Everyone was rightly up off their feet applauding Nuno Tavares after his excellent full Premier League debut at home to Villa. The volume of lung bursting runs he made down the left was a sight to behold, and he matched that energy with aggression, clever movements off the ball and technical prowess in the final third.

Given Kieran Tierney has struggled for form so far this season, there were calls for him to be replaced for the 21-year-old, even if just for the time being.

But if the Scot is fit, he plays. There shouldn’t be any debate over it.

For all the joy Tavares had against Villa, if Tierney had been the one in his place then he would have at least performed to an equal standard. Dean Smith’s side were poor, but Arsenal also pressed high, had bundles of energy and performed to a level well above that they had produced against Palace and Brighton. Reverse the roles and put Tavares in the team at the Amex Stadium and there would have been no calls for him to take Tierney’s place.

Tierney would have loved playing against Villa just as much as Tavares would have struggled against Palace.

The one concern for Saturday is that while Arteta said he’s hopeful of the 24-year-old being fit, the decision to play Sead Kolasinac against Leeds may hint that he’s keeping Tavares fresh in the likelihood that isn’t the case. There must be some doubt in the manager’s eye.

Nevertheless, if both are available, the decision is an easy one.

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